L.A. PARKER: Ewing mother refuses to give up on her dream

Nacone Martin has appeared in millions of publications but you probably do not know her, could not pick her out of a small lineup of women that included Aunt Olive visiting from out west.

Just give her time or find any Forman Mills circular. Or, check out recent television broadcasts of Dr. Oz. What’s that? Martin has landed a part in a movie that started filming in November.

Nacone Martin is on the grapevine, finally finding fabulous lip service for a dream that started more than two decades ago.

Welcome to the fast-paced world of a 44-year-old workout fanatic who spends as much time pumping iron as pulsing life into revelations that friends and family members suggested had more pipe then any residue of reality.

At the very least, Martin, in 10 years could land any online advertisement that claims a 54-year-old woman looks like some 20-something year old cheerleader.

Don’t allow good looks to morph into foolish perceptions about competence, Martin melds fashion, intelligence, perseverance and passion as she turns naysayers into supporters while turning heads.

“And to think I used to be the wallflower, the person who could not handle being turned down or shooed away. Now, I’m the hustler who makes phone calls, knocks on doors. Maybe even face a bunch of rejections,” Martin said.

“I remember being up for that first part. I thought I had it nailed but then found out the part went to someone else. I stayed in bed for an entire weekend and just cried. Rejection can be a powerful deterrent. But not for me. Not now. I’ve got this one chance now. I’m no spring chicken. It’s either now or probably never.”

Martin recently started shooting for her minimal role in a movie entitled “Clipped Wings, They Do Fly” where she plays Mrs. Dodson, a stenographer recording a murder trial that involves schizophrenic Billy Ray Michaels.

The movie stars Usman Sarif, JD.Williams (The Wire), and journeyman Frankie Faisson whose appearances include “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Coming to America” and “Do the Right Thing.” The movie is loosely based on the novel by William Michael Barbee who also produces this film.

“I’m seen throughout the movie and have a big moment in the end when I announce the final verdict,” Martin noted.

A modeling, acting or physical fitness career seemed lost after Martin got pregnant.

“My dreams were put on hold as I raised my son, Chad. I worked a regular job and followed him through high school. I loved going to his school activities, basketball games. tournaments, and track meets. But when he went off to college five years ago, I reconnected with my dream. Sure, a lot of people thought I had lost it,” she said laughing.

Forget mourning visits of heartache, Martin’s breaking dawns became pathed with motivation as she rediscovered friendships with a photographer, or agent, or somebody who knew somebody to help jump-start a career.

Her resume showcases miniature parts in film, television and a reoccurring role in Forman Mills paper advertisements. She stuck around long enough to see a sea change, riding the crest of a wave that finally broke her way for a ride of a lifetime.

“Life is popping right now,” Martin, who spends four or five days a week in workouts, holds down a 9-5 job with an insurance company, and runs down a dream.

The workouts gained a feature spot in fitness magazine “Fit Figures” which named her “Fit Queen of the Month for a November-December rollout.

Her life crackles fired-up energy that landed Forman Mills television commercials and an offer to host a Love Zone USA radio show called “The Girlfriend Network.”

Martin turned those relationships into a major accomplishment with an appearance on “Dr. Oz,” a popular national television show that focuses on health, life and self-improvement.

“I got the invitation about a month ago, then the show aired two weeks later. Then I got a call back on Dec. 11 and that should air next week. I’m waiting for email confirmation on a third appearance. It’s just incredible what’s happening with my life,” Martin beamed.

Martin loves workouts. She assures her physical accomplishments have been honed with hard work.

“I have nothing against surgery but it’s just not me. I would rather spend the time in the gym and eat healthy foods. That’s just me. Even with the surgeries there’s still a need to change lifestyles. I don’t think there are any quick fixes,” Martin explained.

Martin raced through a phone interview, seemingly always a step ahead to where she needed to report in our discussion.

“Things are moving so fast. Friends tell me I’m famous but I don’t know. The movie is great and being on Dr. Oz is an unexpected gift. It’s pretty much feast or famine with this business,” Martin noted.

“It’s been pretty sweet lately but I’m hoping that 2014 is really my year. I keep my faith, keep praying and moving. I feel like this is my time. I need someone to get me in touch with Tyler Perry,” Martin shouted.